W. Bro. Donald Gary Permenter, District Deputy Grand Lecturer of the 14th Masonic District, passed away on Wednesday, July 17, 2013, at North MS Medical Center, in West Point, MS at the age of 76.

Don was born July 9, 1937, in Cooksville, Mississippi (Noxubee County) to the late Hazel Beatrice Wilson and Sam Bell Permenter. Don was the Proprietor of “Don’s Drive In” in West Point for 20 years and was a member of Trinity Baptist Church. Don was a graduate of West Point High School Class of 1955, West Point Masonic Lodge #40 F.& A.M. where he served as Past Master, Secretary and as a Trustee. He was a member of the West Point York Rite Bodies (Chapter #95, Council #15, and Commandry #20) and Order of the Eastern Star.

Don was a member of the Corinth Scottish Rite Bodies where he was a 32nd degree KCCH Mason. He was a member of the KYCH (Knight York Cross of Honor) in Meridian. He was a member of the Royal Order of Scotland. He was a member of the Hamasa Shrine Temple, Red Cross of Constantine Knight Mason, Order of the High Priesthood, Thrice Illustrious Master Knight Preceptor. Brother Don Permenter was appointed February 10, 2003, as District Deputy Grand Lecturer for the Grand Lodge of Mississippi.

He was a veteran of the U.S. Army, having served during 1957-1958. Donald Gary Permenter married Louise Peay Permenter on June 20, 1964, in Wiggins, Mississippi. Funeral services will be Saturday, July 20, 2013, 10:00 A.M. at Calvert Funeral Home Chapel with the Dr. Gary Permenter and Reverend Alan Permenter officiating. Burial will follow in Greenwood Cemetery West Point, Mississippi. Calvert Funeral Home of West Point is in charge of arrangements.

Earl was preceded in death by his wife of 42 years Bobbye Marie Seamans Barlow; his father and mother, Burton and Hazel Barlow; his brother, Edward Barlow; and sisters, Evelyn Hammock and Edna Redman.

He retired at the rank of CMSgt. after serving in the U.S. Air Force for 25 years and later retired from Civil Service at Keesler AFB. Earl was the Past Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Mississippi F. &A.M., Presiding Official of all Grand York Rite Bodies, a 33rd Degree Scottish Rite Mason, Past Potentate of Joppa Shrine Temple, Past Department Commander of the Grand Encampment of Knights Templar of the USA, the recipient of local and national awards for distinguished service to Masonry and a charter member, member, and past presiding officer of numerous appendant Masonic orders.

Visitation will be from 12:30 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 9, 2013 at RIEMANN FAMILY FUNERAL HOME, 274 Beauvoir Road, Biloxi. The funeral service will follow at 2:00 p.m. A gathering of family and friends will be held in the funeral home lobby following the service.

A graveside service with full military and Masonic honors will be held at 12:30 p.m. on Tuesday, March 12, 2013 at Biloxi National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers the family has requested donations to the Shriner’s Children’s Hospital.

Harley Jasper Dozier was born in Vicksburg, Mississippi on September 29, 1952 to Marvin J. and Dora Dozier. He attended Jackson Public Schools and Hinds Community College where afterwards, he entered the United States Air Force. After his military service, M.W. Brother Dozier was an employee in Plant Operations with Entergy Corporation in Jackson, Mississippi for over 30 years.

M.W. Brother Dozier was raised to the Sublime Degree of Master Mason on August 19, 1986 at Hinds No. 628 in Raymond, Mississippi, where he maintained his membership until his passing. He was a Past Master of Hinds No. 628 and served the 20th Masonic District as a 10-year District Deputy Grand Lecturer, where he was awarded the Watt Carter Trophy for the Outstanding District Deputy of the Year. He served the Grand Lodge of Mississippi as Junior Grand Warden in 2002, Senior Grand Warden in 2003 and finally as Grand Master in 2004.

M.W. Brother Dozier was active in the York Rite, where he served as High Priest of Forest Hill Chapter No. 156 in 1991 and a member of Jackson Council No. 5, Royal and Select Masters and Mississippi Commandery No. 1, Knights Templar. He was also active with the York Rite Degree Team, the York Rite College, the Knight Masons and the Red Cross of Constantine.

He was a proud member of the Scottish Rite as well, where he served on the Scottish Rite Degree Team and was awarded the distinction of Knight Commander Court of Honor. His other Masonic affiliations included the Order of the Eastern Star, the DeMolay Legion of Honor and the Shriners.

M.W. Brother Dozier died Sunday, November 11, 2012 at Central Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson and funeral services were held on November 13, with internment in the Raymond City Cemetery. M.W. Brother Dozier was preceded in death by his parents, Marvin and Dora Dozier; grandsons, Elijah and Luke Dozier; brother, James Dozier; and sister, Betty Robertson. He is survived by his wife of 38 years, Gwen of Raymond; son, Jim Dozier (Shannon) of Mize; daughter, Shannon Coker (Gerald) of Ridgeland; grandson, Jackson Dozier; brother, Tommy Dozier of Pineville, LA; sisters, Loraine Williams (Tommy) of Pineville, LA, Georgia McCardle (Harold) of Lavergne, TN, Laverne Treadway (Allen) of Terry, Linda Clark (Ronnie) of Florence, and Wanda Floyd (Richard) of Brandon; and numerous nieces and nephews.